It marks a return to Derby<\/a> for Wilkinson, the son of former Leeds boss Howard, who was on the books at the club during his playing career.<\/p>\n Speculation over Wilkinson’s move to Derby was reported by DerbyshireLive six days ago<\/a> in after it emerged he was keen to move into senior football.<\/p>\n He was the Elite Development Squad Lead Coach at City where the 39-year-old boasts an impressive CV from his time at the Etihad.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cIt\u2019s been an incredible privilege to work at this amazing football club for the last eight years.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s difficult to put into words just how much this club has given me, both professionally and personally.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to thank Thomas, Txiki, Hugo and Pep for all of their support and the opportunities they have given me. This has been a part of my life that I will cherish.<\/p>\n \u201cOne of the greatest privileges has been working with so many talented young players and watching them progress through the Academy into senior football, both in our first team and throughout the football pyramid.<\/p>\n \u201cWatching their growth and playing a small part in their journeys has been incredibly rewarding, and I\u2019m immensely proud of what we\u2019ve achieved together.<\/p>\n \u201cI would like to wish Thomas and everyone at the academy continued success in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Under Wilkinson’s stewardship as Under-18 Lead Coach, City became the first U18 team to win three consecutive Premier League titles, while he also secured silverware in the Under-17 Premier League Cup and the FA Youth Cup.<\/p>\n He then progressed to Under-21 level football, becoming the Lead Coach of City’s Elite Development Squad ahead of the 2024\/25 campaign.<\/p>\n During his eight seasons in Manchester \u2013 a spell which followed seven years on the coaching staff at Sheffield Wednesday \u2013 Wilkinson helped develop Nico O\u2019Reilly, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and James Trafford.<\/p>\n Wilkinson’s arrival means Downing will assume a new position at the club with his appointment as Lead Individual Development Coach with Keith Briggs and Sean Rush to be his assistants.<\/p>\n Downing is set to take charge of a new department that aims to help both first team and academy players develop.<\/p>\n It aims to best enable players to maximise their individual potential by supporting their growth across every aspect of professional football.<\/p>\n Derby’s move for Wilkinson enhances the club’s backroom staff with the club having appointed Ben Jones from the FA to help scout for the academy right the way to the first team.<\/p>\n Derby also appointed Fabian Unwin from Chelsea as Data and Analytics Lead.<\/p>\n What do you make of Wilkinson’s arrival? Have your say HERE.<\/a>How to follow our Derby County coverage Derby Telegraph’s Derby County writer, Leigh Curtis<\/p>\n The transfer window is now open, the signings are being linked and players could be heading for the exit door at Pride Park as it promises to be a pre-season of change at the club.<\/p>\n Every day, the DerbyshireLive football desk strive to deliver all manner of news, features and transfer-related stories as a part of our overall package of Rams content.<\/p>\n Which is why we have launched a free newsletter service straight into you email inbox each day, the bulletins will feature the latest Derby County news, views, gossip and opinion.<\/p>\n Sign up to the Derby newsletter here<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Our dedicated reporter Leigh Curtis – who you can follow on X by clicking here<\/a> – follows the Rams home and away and offers you comprehensive coverage from matchdays, press conferences and everything that happens in between.<\/p>\n So much happens day to day and sometimes you can struggle to keep on top of the very latest updates as and when they occur – that’s why we have produced the daily newsletter which you can sign up to, for free, and which means you’ll have a round-up of the key stories land in your email inbox.<\/p>\n WhatsApp:<\/strong> You can also get all your favourite content from DerbyshireLive’s Rams team on WhatsApp. Click here<\/a> to sign up for breaking updates about the biggest stories in and around the club.<\/p>\n App:<\/strong> If you prefer reading our Rams stories on your phone, consider downloading the DerbyshireLive app, in which you can personalise the content you see by selecting Derby County as one of your designated topics. You can get it from Apple here<\/a> and for Android here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Social Media: <\/strong>You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook<\/a> and X.<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Derby](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0_Derby-Telegraphs-Derby-County-writer-Leigh-Curtis.png\")
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